Republic of Ireland defender Aoife Mannion has admitted she was 'gutted' to have missed out on World Cup selection this week but also claimed that she will be fully behind the Girls in Green when they embark on their World Cup adventure in Australia and New Zealand next month.
Mannion has shone for Manchester United this season in the Women's Super League. However, Mannion tweaked her knee ligaments in United training a month ago and only had her knee brace removed on Monday. There had been hope that the United defender would just squeeze into the squad, but Pauw's final selection came too soon for the 27-year-old.
Despite missing out on Vera Pauw's final 23-player squad, the Ireland player said, "Congratulations to all of the girls named in the Ireland team for the World Cup in Australia. Each player is very deserving – what an incredible achievement for you and your families. It has been a joy to be involved in a couple of camps over the past few months and witness a bit of the magic firsthand…history makers…leading Ireland to our very first World Cup."
💚🍀 @IrelandFootball pic.twitter.com/IeOwr45aM2
— Aoife Mannion (@aoifemannion_) June 29, 2023
Mannion also added that she would be cheering on the squad when they play co-hosts Australia, Canada, and Nigeria as a fan.
“I’m gutted to not be part of the squad. Recovering great from my recent minor injury, but time wasn’t on my side this time around. I can’t wait to be back in a green shirt on the pitch…for now, I will settle for wearing it over to Australia as a fan and following the girls around to support them from the stands. Good luck, girls."
Ireland WNT Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O'Riordan (Celtic), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)Training Players: Sophie Whitehouse, Harriet Scott, Jamie Finn
FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 - Group BJuly 20 | Australia v Ireland, Stadium Australia, Sydney, KO 11:00 (Irish Time)July 26 | Canada v Ireland, Rectangular Stadium, Perth, KO 13:00 (Irish Time)July 31 | Ireland v Nigeria, Lang Park, Brisbane, KO 11:00 (Irish Time)
